Aiken confirms he's gay

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. pop singer Clay Aiken confirms he is gay in this week's issue of People magazine, E! Online reported Tuesday.

People's Web site Tuesday encouraged visitors to "come back Wednesday for the full scoop on Clay Aiken at 7 a.m. EDT."

But E! said a leaked copy of the magazine's upcoming cover features a quote from the Aiken story: "Yes, I'm gay. ... I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things."

The 29-year-old former "American Idol" contestant, who is starring in the Broadway musical "Spamalot," became a first-time dad last month when Jaymes Foster gave birth to their child Parker Foster Aiken.

The People interview would mark the first time Aiken has publicly discussed his sexual orientation.

"We can confirm that Clay Aiken and his son are featured in the next issue of People" was all the magazine told E! when asked about the leaked cover.